What does 'tonnage' refer to in refrigeration?

Tonnage in refrigeration specifically refers to the cooling capacity of the system, which is a measure of how much heat the system can remove from a given space over a specified period of time. One ton of refrigeration is defined as the ability to absorb 12,000 British thermal units (BTUs) per hour, which is equivalent to the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in a 24-hour period. This measurement is critical for determining the adequate size of a cooling system needed to maintain desired indoor temperatures effectively.

Understanding tonnage is essential for engineers and technicians involved in designing and implementing refrigeration systems, as selecting the appropriate tonnage ensures efficient operation, energy consumption, and the effectiveness of the cooling process. Factors such as the size of the area being cooled, the amount of heat generated by equipment and occupants, and the desired temperature differential all contribute to the tonnage required for a particular application.